Kaitlan Collins Shuts Down Amy Klobuchar’s False Claim on Trump’s ‘Vacation’ Travel Plans [WATCH]

CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins corrected Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota on Tuesday after the senator criticized President Donald Trump for traveling abroad during the ongoing government shutdown, suggesting the trip was unnecessary.

The exchange took place during Collins’ program The Source as the two discussed the budget impasse that began on Oct. 1 when Senate Democrats, led by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, blocked a bipartisan funding bill.

Nearly three weeks later, the shutdown remains unresolved after Democrats voted down another bipartisan measure on Monday evening, marking the eleventh failed attempt to reopen the government.

President Trump is scheduled to leave at the end of the week for a previously planned trip to Asia aimed at easing trade tensions, including a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to PBS.

During the CNN segment, Collins asked Klobuchar whether Democrats would consider agreeing to temporary health care subsidy provisions in order to pass a funding bill and reopen the government.

Klobuchar responded by criticizing the President’s travel plans.

“The president needs to meet with the leaders in Congress,” Klobuchar said.

“[Senate Minority] Leader [Chuck] Schumer, [House Minority] Leader [Hakeem] Jeffries asked to meet again before he [Trump] flies off to yet another part of the world. He’s been willing to negotiate in the Mideast. He’s been willing to negotiate in Asia, but he’s not willing to walk down the block and meet with the leaders of Congress.”

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Klobuchar added, “So, I think what has changed since the beginning of this is the American people are starting to see the bills.”

“Donald Trump refuses to negotiate, and gets on his plane and flies away,” the senator continued.

At that point, Collins interjected. “Well, he’s going on a trip — a long-planned trip to Asia. It’s not just like a vacation,” she said, clarifying that the President’s travel was part of official diplomatic business.

Klobuchar then attempted to speak over Collins, insisting that the President could still meet with Democrats before his departure.

Collins replied that she had personally asked Trump about that earlier in the day.

“But I asked him that today and I said, would you meet [with Democrats] before you go to Asia,” Collins said.

“Because obviously he’ll be gone for several days. But he basically said I’ll meet with them [Democrats] if they reopen the government.”

Collins then asked Klobuchar whether Democrats planned to allow a vote to reopen the government before Friday.

“I don’t know what he’s [Trump is] going to do,” Klobuchar said.

“He’s not here and clearly the rubber stampers that behind closed doors say to us, ‘We really need to do something about these [health care] premiums. We know it, we understand it, but they’re waiting for his orders.’ And so that’s what’s happening right now.”

Klobuchar’s comments echoed the broader Democratic stance that President Trump should personally engage with congressional leaders before any funding deal is reached.

The White House, however, has maintained that the President will not negotiate with Democrats until they vote to reopen the government.

The shutdown began after Senate Democrats rejected a bipartisan bill to fund the government through December, with Schumer and nearly all Democrats voting against the measure.

Since then, multiple bipartisan efforts to pass temporary funding have failed.

Despite the political gridlock, CNN senior data analyst Harry Enten noted Monday that the ongoing shutdown has not significantly affected public support for President Trump.

“His net approval rating is actually up a point in terms of his popular support,” Enten said during the network’s coverage.

President Trump’s upcoming Asia trip is expected to include discussions with regional allies and a meeting with Xi Jinping focused on trade, economic cooperation, and regional security.

The White House has not indicated any change to the President’s travel schedule in light of the ongoing shutdown.